Christmas came early to KLS! The first gifts arrived at the end of November. On 30th November we decorated the Settlement with pupils from Francis Holland School going wild with the tinsel.
In early December things were uncertain for a while, as Omicrom threatened to spoil the fun, but undeterred we adapted our Christmas celebrations to keep everyone safe. We held several small group events for our elders and young people, where they enjoyed Christmas parties, afternoon teas and festive films. For those who couldn’t make it to the centre we sent gifts, cards and goodies to let them know we were thinking of them.
Fabulous Volunteers
With the help of some fabulous volunteers, who got the chance to play Santa, we delivered more than 200 gifts to the young people who attend our Love to Learn clubs and activities. Just before the big day itself we delivered hampers to many of our elder members, so they had some treats.
Carol Singing
There were carols too. A big thank you to the organisers of Carols in Battersea Square (particularly the team from St Mary’s), The Battersea Choral Society for their Carol Concert in Sloane Square, and our fantastic supporter Carina Saner, who arranged Carols for KLS in Battersea Square on 10th December – thank you to everyone who braved the cold to sing for us and all who supported us. Bernie the KLS Bear was making mischief all over the square that evening and a big hit with the passing Thomas’s families as they headed home for the weekend!
Christmas Card
Pupils from Garden House School and members from KLS lent a hand (literally) in making a fabulous Christmas card. Look closely at the ‘leaves’ and you will see that they are actually hands. We sold some of them and posted over 500 to our supporters and friends to wish them a merry Christmas.
Thank you
Huge thanks to all our wonderful volunteers, supporters, donors, tinsel decorators, wrappers, cooks, card sellers, mascot wearers, singers and staff who made all of this possible. They worked their socks off.
With special thanks to Wates Construction for donating food and devices for the elders celebrations; Ionie and all the congregation at The New Testament Assembly Tooting, for donating so many hampers for our elders; as well as St Michael’s Church, Garden House School, Francis Holland School and Thomas’s Battersea for all the beautifully wrapped gifts and Christmas boxes; Guts & Glory Fitness Gym for their fundraising; Tortilla restaurants for donating vouchers; and finally, Gail’s Bakery for the cakes and treats provided for the Elders tea parties. And everyone else who helped – thank you.
The scores on the doors!
We couldn’t do this without the help of our amazing staff, volunteers, supporters and the local community – thank you.
We can’t wait until Christmas 2022!